Game Development Bachelor’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Video games have become more popular in recent times and the field is growing as technology advances. Working in the game development industry can be both rewarding and exciting. To join this competitive field, you need specific skills and technological know-how. You can gain this by enrolling in a university to get a game development degree.

The best Bachelor’s Degrees in Game Development prepare you for a number of potential careers in this dynamic field. This guide will highlight some of the best online and in-person options to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Game Development?

Game development involves the creation of video games through conceptualization, design, testing, and releasing. The

game developer

considers factors such as game rewards, mechanics, level design, and player engagement throughout all of the different phases of game creation.

What Is a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree?

A game development bachelor’s degree is offered by higher institutions. The curriculum often covers programming languages for game development, graphic design, and the creation of dynamic gameplay experiences. This gives students the skills they need to enter the workforce after completing the program.

After completion, students have career options in different fields and industries as programmers, art directors, and graphic designers. The design skills learned in such programs can also be applied to industries like advertising and marketing.

Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

The requirements are different for each school but most require a high school diploma or any equivalent credential. Some institutions may require standardized test scores.

Prospective students may also need to submit a personal essay or letter of recommendation. To be sure what is mandatory to include for a particular school, research each institution’s application process and requirements before enrolling.

How Much Does a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Cost?

The cost of a game development bachelor’s degree depends on the type of institution and the method of delivery. According to the College Board, the

average cost of public institution tuition

is $26,820. Private universities average $54,880 per year. A nonprofit institution may be cheaper. Contact an academic advisor for more information on your school of choice.

Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Game Development Degree

There are a lot of payment options available when it comes to video game design degrees. The most common ones include student loans, financial aid, and scholarships. Some scholarships are partial while others are fully funded.

Best Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Game Development: Top Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The colleges for game development offer both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Some are part of the computer science department while others are standalone programs. With courses on human-computer interaction and building a virtual environment, both can help you to reach your career goal of working as a videogame designer.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Baylor University

Baylor University offers a computer science degree with a game development specialization. This program focuses on interactive digital media technologies and helps undergraduate students master them. Some courses in the coursework include gaming platform frameworks, interactive design, and computer graphics.

Bachelor of Science in Game Programming | Champlain College

Champlain College’s game programming degree focuses on the entire process of game building. Students collaborate to create playable games. The coursework covers level design, system design, and narrative design. This college offers a game studio for undergraduate students in game programming to collaborate with peers and students in related programs.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design | Dakota State University

This degree in game design offers a project-based approach to help students build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The focus of the program is on mobile video game applications, digital games, simulations, and websites. Students learn about processes and tools for game creation like 2D graphics, 3D modeling, and how to integrate game aesthetics.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design | DePaul University

This program covers the fundamentals of game design. Undergraduate students learn to work as critical thinkers, storytellers, and entrepreneurs in interactive entertainment fields. The coursework emphasizes gaming labs including the gameplay lab, development and search lab, usability lab and augmented reality lab.

Bachelor of Science in Digital Media | East Tennessee State University

This digital media degree offers concentrations in digital game design along with digital animation, visual effects, and digital visualization. The coursework covers level design, game creation, environment design, materials and scripting, and modeling for games. It can be completed in four years.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Interactive Analytics | Grand View University

This degree focuses on clear communication, design, writing, and effective research to help students understand the video game industry. The coursework encompasses topics for audio designers, artists, programmers, and writers. The program offers both onsite and online training. Students attending in-person can also attend classes on the weekends.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design | Indiana University

Indiana University’s game design program covers courses like information infrastructure, game production, game art, game technology, and sound designs. Students take part in workshops and learn about demos, publishing, and game prototypes.

The program uses a project-based learning approach where students complete and publish their own games. It has a three-semester sequence to mimic the inner workings of game studios.

Bachelor of Science in Animation Game Design | Kent State University

This program offers two concentrations for students: animation and theories of game design. The coursework includes motion capture, digital imaging, and multimedia computer animation. Students use prototyping tools to learn to create 2D and 3D models while applying design thinking to problems in technology. There are also supervised research opportunities.

Bachelor of Science in Simulation and Game Design | The University of Baltimore

This game design degree program focuses on computer programming fundamentals, theory of game design, usability design, 3D animation, and modeling. Students also learn to create multiplayer games. It offers two different concentrations in coding/development and technical art.

Students in this program can opt to study for an accelerated degree and take nine credits towards a BS in game design and an MS in interaction design.

Bachelor of Arts in Games and Game Design | Webster University

This

bachelor’s degree

program includes coursework on topics like video game art, world design, animation, level design, and rigging. Undergraduate students learn to make games for specific purposes and ensure that they meet the specification. The program also covers the development of video games in an era of advancing technology.

Best Online Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Game Development: Top Online Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Programs

You can find fully online, remote learning degrees in video game development as well. If you prefer to study on a more flexible learning path, then check out some of the best online learning options available below.

Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development | Baker College

This program teaches students crucial skills for design, development, and testing for different platforms. The program requires 120 credits to complete with 90 credits for core courses. Some of the topics in the curriculum include visual basics, programming for mobile devices, systems development methods, and introduction to interactive entertainment applications.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Game Development Concentration | California State University, Monterey Bay

This program focuses on interactive media and game development. Online students learn to design and develop games with digital and analog authoring tools. The coursework includes animation, text, sound, images, and computer code. It uses a practical training method and students develop 3D modeling skills in the process using industry-standard prototyping tools.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, Game and Simulation Programming Concentration | Lewis University

This degree has several concentrations but game development students can take the game and simulation programming track. This track focuses on simulations, computer games and teaches online students to write them. Some courses in the curriculum include video game programming, mathematical modeling, applied calculus, and scientific computing.

Bachelor of Arts in Game Design | Lindenwood University

This game design degree from Lindenwood University covers foundational topics in the theories of game design such as character design and storytelling. It is ideal for online students who want to work in game studio environments. The coursework includes topics like advanced game design, game economics, aesthetics, immersion, and usability.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art and Design | Miami International University of Art and Design

This program focuses on 2D concept art, texturing, and 3D modeling. The coursework includes virtual and augmented reality. Online students learn to use interactive software and get feedback from instructors online. Before program completion, students can create market-ready board games, card games, casual games, and different game genres for customers.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Middle Georgia State University

This information technology degree has different concentrations for students to choose from. One of them is integrated digital media and gaming design. Some topics in the coursework include computational intelligence, graphic imaging, game theory, digital storytelling, and digital media studio.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art | Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

This program focuses on game design and its mechanics. Undergraduate students master the analysis of game design, interface design, and learn other elements such as technical writing, and creative writing. The coursework covers level design, visual storytelling, business ethics, character rigging, game theory, copyright, and animation.

Bachelor of Science in Video Game Programming | Southern New Hampshire University

This online program focuses on cybernetics, interface design, gameplay mechanics, and algebra. This allows online students to create 2D and 3D games with ease. The program from Southern New Hampshire University uses a hands-on approach and students take part in practicals to master professional prototyping tools used in the field of game design.

Bachelor of Arts in Game Art and Animation | University of Advancing Technology

Students learn to create 2D and 3D animation and art for consoles, PC, online, mobile, and virtual reality. The coursework covers lighting, shading, color theory, perspective, anatomy, and scene staging. Online students also learn high polygon and low polygon modeling, rigging, texturing, motion capture animation, and framing.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design Engineering | University of Silicon Valley

This program focuses on modifying and building game engines. The coursework covers topics like artificial intelligence, implanting, animation, and computer graphics. Online students are trained to develop project plans, create game characters, objectives, and worlds that can keep users engaged. The program uses a practical learning system as well.

What’s the Average Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Salary?

Game developers with a bachelor’s degree can earn up to six figures per year. According to ZipRecruiter, the average

salary of game developers

is $101,644 per year. This means that professionals earn around $48.87 per hour and some earn even more depending on their level of professioanl experience.

Top Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Jobs Explained

Game Engineer

Game engineers produce video games. They also ensure that the game’s visual elements are compatible with different kinds of hardware. These experts often work alone and create games for smaller devices such as mobile phones.

Game Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $101,644
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York*

Game developers are responsible for taking concepts from designers and developing them into playable games. These experts may also be called videogame designers or video game programmers. The experts write code for PC, console, mobile, and web browser games.

Software Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $99,729
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York*

Software engineers are skilled in software development, programming languages, and computer operating systems. They use this knowledge to create software. Software engineers use principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to develop computer software for different industries.

Visual Effects Artist

Visual effects (VFX) artists use computer software to create special effects and animation. They work in the film industry and try to enhance moving pictures with digital elements while maintaining a realistic look.

Gaming Programmer

Gaming programmers are responsible for writing the code that brings games to life. These experts translate the vision of the gaming project into a playable and functioning game. They often work with producers and other professionals to make this happen.

Project Manager

Project managers plan, direct, organize and follow through with projects until they are complete. They are responsible for ensuring that the project meets the deadline, stays on budget, and also remains within the scope of the job. Project management professionals oversee projects from start to finish and work to reduce costs while maximizing company efficiency.

Simulations Programmer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $76,289
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  -10%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  185,700**
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, District of Columbia

Simulation programmers are responsible for creating computer simulations. These simulations let you see, predict, test, think about, and manipulate real-world services, products, conditions, processes, and issues without any risk that would come from doing so in real life.

Multimedia Programmer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $66,243
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  16%***
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  62,400***
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Connecticut, California, New York***

Multimedia programmers design and create multimedia computer products. These products may combine pictures, sounds, video clips, graphics, virtual reality, and digital animation. Multimedia programmers work with other professionals to create working products.

Concept Artist

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $56,343
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  16%***
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  62,400***
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Connecticut, California, New York***

Concept artists are responsible for visualizing and creating art for vehicles, character development, and creature design as well as the virtual environments they exist in. These experts work with animators, modelers, and VFX teams to make ideas ready for production.

Graphic Designer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $48,283
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  3%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  
  254,100
  
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  District of Columbia, Washington, Masschusetts

Graphic designers create concepts and bring them to life through design software or by hand. The experts communicate ideas through visual means to inform and inspire consumers. They make use of words, images, and graphics.

*These statistics are grouped under Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers by the Bureau of Labor Statistics





**These statistics are grouped under Computer Programmers in by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

*** These statistics are grouped under Special Effects Artists and Animators by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Game Development Bootcamp vs Game Development Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?

Game development bootcamps

have their advantages and the same can be said for game development bachelor’s degree programs.

Bootcamps are intensive

, short-term programs for learning one specific set of skills. The option depends on what you are looking for. Below are a few benefits of both educational paths.

Benefits of a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree

• 
  Networking opportunities.
  
  A degree in video game development exposes you to industry professionals established in the field. This can be beneficial to you in the future.
• 
  Accreditation.
  
  Higher institutions are accredited and this gives your degree more credibility in the eyes of employers.
• 
  Financial support.
  
  As a student, there are several financial support programs available to you. With student loans, you can attend school now and pay later.
• 
  Structured curriculum.
  
  These degree programs are structured in such a way that you can learn other aspects of the field of game design to enable you to fit into a wide range of career opportunities.
• 
  Online learning.
  
  Online learning is possible today as several institutions offer online bachelor’s degree programs. This way, you can get a degree without the hassle of attending physical classes.

Benefits of a Game Development Bootcamp

• 
  Hands-on experience.
  
  Game development bootcamps offer hands-on training programs to help students develop their portfolios and gain real-world experience in the field of game design.
• 
  In-demand skills.
  
  This program focuses mostly on the practical skills that employers are looking for, and does not include general education courses.
• 
  Affordable.
  
  Bootcamps are far cheaper when it comes to tuition costs. The average cost of a bootcamp is around $12,000 compared to over $40,000 per year for higher institutions.
• 
  Short programs.
  
  Bootcamp programs are short and intensive. You can learn the technical skills and be ready for the workforce within a few months.
• 
  Updated curriculum.
  
  Bootcamps work with employers to update the curriculum when necessary. This helps ensure that students only learn skills that make them valuable to employers.

Should You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development?

A Bachelor’s Degrees in Game Development is a good investment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field of game design has an amazing job outlook. Employment in game development is expected to grow by 22 percent over the next ten years. This means that you will be entering a stable and well-paying field.

The degree makes it possible for you to take on higher positions such as art director, lead designer, and design director where you stand the chance of earning more. Also, this field of game design is for creative professionals who want to build functioning games that people would love to play.

Game Development Bachelor’s Degree FAQ